The 20 Smartest Dog Breeds, Ranked

Research suggests dogs are about as smart as a 2-year-old child.

The most widely used barometer for measuring the intelligence of dogs is their trainability, although a dog’s ability to independently problem solve is another top factor, says Mary R. Burch, Ph.D., director of the American Kennel Club Family Dog Program, which provides various dog training courses.

These traits also make for excellent working dogs, which means many of the world’s smartest dog breeds have extensive resumes.

While every dog is unique, research has identified some of the smartest dog breeds overall:

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Active, confident, genius

Most experts agree that smartest dog in the world is the Border Collie, who’s long-been praised for their intelligence and trainability. In fact, a Border Collie named Rico was proven to recognize more than 200 different words.

This medium-sized breed’s smarts and trainability, combined with their high energy, have made them excellent working dogs, especially when it comes to herding sheep.

If these workaholics don’t have a job, they might become a bit destructive. So keep your Border Collie’s body and mind fit with exercise, games, and puzzle toys.

• Size: Extra small, small, and medium
• Life expectancy: 10–18 years
• Temperament: Smarty pants, eager, outgoing

Don’t let their stylish hairdo fool you; Poodles are both beauty and brains in one chic package.

Standard Poodles were originally bred to be hunting dogs, retrieving ducks and other waterfowl. The qualities that made them such great water retrievers—athletic, eager to please, naturally intelligent—remain today and are passed down to their smaller descendants: Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Brave, heroic, loyal

Brains and brawn have helped make the German Shepherd one of the world’s leading police and military dogs, where they put their big brain to use.

Originally bred to herd cattle, these smart dogs are agile, highly trainable, and loyal—all qualities that have also enabled them to excel as working pups. As pets, German Shepherds thrive in an active family who will take them on neighborhood runs and weekend hikes.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Smart, silly, social

Golden Retrievers may come across as happy-go-lucky, but these blond beauties are also one of the smartest dog breeds.

Goldens are a popular breed for assisting individuals with disabilities, whether as guide dogs for the visually impaired or as mobility assistance dogs. Their success in this line of work can be attributed to their innate working ability and natural intelligence, as well as their eager-to-please attitude.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Devoted, loyal, sensitive

Powerful, vigilant, and fearless. The Doberman Pinscher very much embodies these three traits.

But there’s more to them than just muscle; they’re also very smart, able to learn quickly and easily, and incredibly devoted to their people. If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, you’ll find it in this intelligent dog breed.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Eager to please, energetic, affectionate

Commonly known as Shelties, Shetland Sheepdogs are plucky pooches who hail from Scotland. Their smarts, energy, and speed make them excel as herding dogs. But they’re also sensitive and affectionate, making them great family dogs.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Athletic, outgoing, smart

Like Goldens, Labrador Retrievers use their smarts to serve people with disabilities. But they’re also sought-after family pets. In fact, the Lab is the most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to AKC registration data.

Pet Labrador Retrievers are best for active families who will take their dog on hikes, let them swim in a lake or pool, and play daily games of fetch in the backyard.

• Size: Extra small
• Life expectancy: 14–16 years
• Temperament: Joyful, lively, social butterfly

A smart dog in a small package, the Papillon is an outgoing charmer. Their intelligence and enthusiasm make this breed easy to train, and they excel at learning tricks.

Not only are Papillons social butterflies, but they’re actually named after the butterfly (papillon means “butterfly” in French) for their impressive ears that resemble butterfly wings.

• Size: Extra large
• Life expectancy: 9–10 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, aloof, loyal

Rottweilers are another popular dog breed, and it’s easy to see why. These handsome dogs are smart, respond quickly to training, and are gentle family dogs.

Rotties do best with active pet parents who will take them on adventures and make sure they get enough mental stimulation to keep their big brain busy.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Brainy, hard-working, adventurous

The whip-smart Australian Cattle Dog was bred to be a working dog, herding—you guessed it—cattle. This highly trainable breed, also called a Blue Heeler, has a lot of energy and loves having a job to do, so be sure to give them plenty of exercise (both physical and mental!) and loads of attention.

Another perk: ACDs are also one of the healthiest dog breeds. While there’s no guarantee your dog will always have a clean bill of health for their entire life, they are less likely to develop genetic conditions than many other breeds.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, social butterfly

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a bright and spunky pooch known for their one-of-a-kind backsides.

Originally bred to herd cattle and sheep, they pack a lot of power in a little package. When they finally blow off all their energy, these affectionate dogs are happy to settle down for a snuggle sesh with their favorite humans. No wonder they were so beloved by Queen Elizabeth II.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Feisty, loveable, ready for anything

These pint-sized pups pack a lot of punch as one of the cleverest dog breeds.

Originally bred to chase rats on farms, Miniature Schnauzers are bright, confident dogs who are lively and trainable, although they do tend to bark a lot (hey, it’s all part of their job description as accomplished vermin hunters!).

Despite their rural beginnings, Mini Schnauzers are adaptable pups who do well in cities, too, as long as they get plenty of playtime and exercise.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Star athlete, loyal sidekick, people-pleaser

The English Springer Spaniel is high-energy, highly intelligent, and highly trainable.

Bred to be out hunting in the fields, the English Springer Spaniel is an active dog with a desire to please their people. Their playful nature and friendly personality also allow them to fabulous family dogs.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Determined, loyal, athletic

Another herding dog, the distinguished Belgian Tervuren is a one of the most intelligent dog breeds with a strong work drive.

This breed craves mental stimulation and exercise like other smart dogs do, but their long fur also needs a great deal of brushing to stay tangle-free. Make sure your schedule is open for the Tervuren’s care needs before bringing home this pup.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Curious, loyal, lively

The Schipperke is a curious small dog from Belgium. These smart dogs were originally bred as ratters and watchdogs. Today, the Schipperke shines as family dogs and as four-legged athletes in dog sports like agility and Barn Hunt.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Hardworking, athletic, loyal

The Belgian Sheepdog, also called the Groenendael, has all the smarts and athleticism of the Tervuren, but in a stunning all-black fur coat. They got their start as working dogs in Belgium, where their brains were put to use as police canines and sheepdog herders.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Family-oriented, friend to all, super-trainable

Not only are Collies one of the smartest dog breeds, but they’re also picture-perfect family dogs who, with proper socialization, will never meet a stranger because they consider everyone a friend.

A fenced backyard is a perk for these pups, but Collies will be happy in almost any home—especially one with a big, bustling family this brainy and good-natured dog can always be near.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Devoted, social, intelligent

Like many other dogs on this list, the Keeshond originated as a working dog; they were the fluffy employees of Dutch canals, where they served as watchdogs on boats.

But while Keeshonden (the plural of “Keeshond”) are bright and highly trainable companions, pet parents need to know that these smart dogs shed—a lot. If you can’t handle flying fur (no matter how much you brush a Keeshond and vacuum the floors, your home will never be totally fur-free), this might not be the pup for you.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: High-energy, determined, loyal

Looking for a hunting partner? What about a hiking buddy? No matter how you choose to recreate outdoors, the German Shorthaired Pointer will happily be by your side. These sporty and smart dogs need lots of exercise and do best with active, outdoorsy families.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Happy-go-lucky, mischievous, outgoing

No, that’s not a black Golden Retriever—but no one blames you for thinking so. Like Goldens, Flat-Coated Retrievers are sporty, medium-sized dogs with an outgoing personality and love for water.

While smart dogs are often fast learners, they still need patient and consistent training to learn and perform basic commands just like you would any other dog.

“The same principles apply to training a ‘smart’ breed versus one that is not typically as trainable,” says Dr. Burch.

She recommends the following training tips for all dogs, regardless of their intelligence level:

• Keep training fun. Don’t force your dog into a position or punish them for not learning quick enough.
• Make sure sessions are appropriately short. Aim for about 15–20 mins per day.
• Start with small units and repetitions. For example, when teaching the dog to “stay,” start from 1 foot away instead of 20 feet.
• Provide a positive reinforcer (reward). This could include:
  • Treats
  • Toys
  • Praise
• Be consistent. Stick to the same cues, which are the word(s), click sound from a training clicker or a hand signal that you use to prompt the command, and the timing of the reward (typically should be given immediately after the desired behavior).

Keep in mind that all dogs are individuals, even similar breeds and dogs of the same breed. Training methods may need to be tailored to best suit your pet. A certified dog trainer can help you come up with a personalized plan.

As noted above, smart dogs breeds tend to require a good deal of enrichment, both physical and mental. Interactive toys, puzzle toys, chews, and other types of “busy” toys can help.